Weekly Bedding Sales Tip #12 - Kids' Beds-The Worthwhile Investsment

Furniture World Magazine

By Gordon Hecht on
4/18/2011

by Gordon Hecht and Denny Bradford, Ashley Sleep Directors of Sales.

It’s true in restaurants, clothing stores, and even in Furniture Store Case Good selections. Smart retailers know that kids’ tastes are different from Mom and Dad, and they have designed products geared to satisfy the junior set.

Mom and Dad want a certain look and feel for their master bedroom sleep set. White and off-white seems to be the style now, often with a fluffy deep tufted top. They demand comfort and support, and will often test a dozen beds or more before choosing the bed that’s “just right”. Unfortunately, when it comes to picking the right sleep set for their off-spring, their thought pattern leans towards “He’s just a kid”, or “We don’t want to spend a lot because she probably will ruin it in a couple of years.”

However from the time they leave the crib until the time they leave for college children require more restorative sleep than their parents do. Where we hope for 6-8 hours of sleep, our youth need about 10 hours. It is also a critical time for posture and spinal development. Selecting a bed with proper support will have a great impact in years to come. And proper support does not mean hard as wood. We all enjoy a comfortable bed, no matter what our age!

Many families are discovering that Memory Foam is a great option for kids’ beds. Often purchased in twin or full size rather than queen size, the price becomes affordable. The mattresses give great support and comfort, and as a plus they offer healthy aspects like being resistant to mold, mildew, and dust mites. Many times the beds they are used on don’t require a foundation, further reducing the cost. Savvy sleep consultants at many HomeStores are showing parents the affordability of the Bar Harbor when done as a twin mattress!

Parents wishing to get the BEST for their kids may consider the advantages of Talalay Latex, which has all of the health benefits of Memory Foam, as well as being antimicrobial and hypoallergenic!

Rightfully so, many parents are concerned about overnight accidents that can soil a mattress. The new technology used in today’s mattress protection pads allow a free flow of air, but prevent liquids from soiling the mattress. They are removable and washable, often come with warranties, and are an investment that protects the bed AND the health of the child.

AND what about that “Sea of White” in your mattress department? Kids find that BORING! Your friends at Ashley Sleep have developed a new line of mattresses specifically designed to have visual appeal to youth, tweens, and teens. Developed with kids in mind it will deliver gentle support and comfortable memory foam all wrapped in a cover that is out of this world. Look for it soon!

Next Week-What’s your cheapest mattress?

This series is written by Gordon Hecht and Denny Bradford, Ashley Sleep Directors of Sales. To comment or ask a question on any of the bedding tips in this series, contact Gordon Hecht at ghecht@ashleyfurniture.com.

Gordon Hecht is a 35+ year veteran of the Furniture Business, starting as a delivery helper in Las Vegas, NV. He has served as a Regional Manager and Director of Training for a large Midwestern chain. Currently with Ashley Sleep division of Ashley Furniture Industries, Gordon travels the East, Midwest, and Canada training retail sales teams on selling bedding and works with store owners to maximize sales. Gordon resides in Columbus, OH with his wife, and has one adult son.

Denny Bradford started in the bedding business as a store manager for a Texas based waterbed dealer. His 18 years of sales and management experience includes directing a seven-store bedding chain and serving as Bedding Director for a Dallas based retailer. Denny covers the Western US and Canada for Ashley Sleep. He resides outside of Dallas, TX with his wife and son.

Gordon Hecht is Senior Manager-In Store Concepts for Serta Simmons Bedding Company, introducing and expanding bedding business in conventional and non-traditional venues. He started his 30+ years experience in the Home Furnishings industry in Las Vegas, NV as a delivery helper and driver and later served in sales, retail management and consulting roles.
Read other articles by Gordon Hecht